Holsteins have experience, but not much depth

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The New Salem-Almont-Glen Ullin Holsteins have major talent coming back this season.

But the one thing hindering the team is depth.

“We’ve only got 25 kids out and we have to develop some of our younger kids,” Holsteins head coach Steve Kleinjan said.

Even though the numbers aren’t there, Kleinjan’s expectations weren’t lowered.

“We always hope to come into the season to compete for a playoff position,” he said. “Give ourselves the opportunity as the season progresses to improve.”

Cameron Morman returns at running back. The senior rushed for 940 yards last year. Also returning is Casey Winkler, who played fullback.

“It’s nice to have some experience back there,” Kleinjan said. “Casey (Winkler) won’t be with us for the first couple weeks, but he should return to the fullback spot.”

A couple younger players that Kleinjan expects to make a direct impact on the offensive line is sophomore Ethan Hoger.

Joining Hoger on the offensive line is Matt Morman, who started games last year as a sophomore. He’ll be take his place on the offensive and defensive lines.

“We return four starters on the offensive line,” Kleinjan said. “It’s a situation where if we get any injuries of that nature, we’ll find ourselves in a tough time.”

Another piece to the offensive and defensive line puzzle is senior Duncan Beth, who comes back with multiple years of experience.

The final piece to the offensive line is senior lineman Jory Violett, who started last season.

While the Holsteins are preparing for the new teams to enter Class A, Region 4 — Richardton-Taylor-Hebron, Heart River and the new Southern McLean co-op are now in the league — Kleinjan is very familiar with the two teams.

“We played against Richardton-Taylor-Hebron when we were in 9-man,” he said. “We played Southern McLean back when we were 9-man and played them with the exception of the last four years. We played against them for eight years straight.

“They are going to be two quality teams coming in. They are going to make our conference better.”

New Salem-Almont-

Glen Ullin Holsteins

Head coach: Steve Kleinjan

Last season: 3-5

Returners: Cameron Morman, Sr., RB; Casey Winkler, Sr., FB; Duncan Beth, Sr., OL/DL; Jory Violett, Sr., OL/DL; Lance Duppong, Sr., QB; Taylor Heintz, Jr., QB.

Upcomers: Ethan Hoger, So., OL/DL; Matt Morman, OL/DL.

Losses: Taylor Friez, OL/DL; Jalen Schaff, WR/DB.

2011 schedule (all times Mountain): Aug. 26–vs. Kidder County, 6 p.m.; Sept. 2–vs. Hazen, 6 p.m.; Sept. 16–at Grant County-Flasher, 6 p.m.; Sept. 26–vs. Southern McLean, 6 p.m.; Sept. 30–at Richardton-Taylor-Hebron, 7 p.m.; Oct. 7–at Killdeer, 6 p.m.; Oct. 14–vs. Heart River, 6 p.m.

Tags: high school football, kickoff football preview